Mineral Paint (the chalk paint alternative)

The internet is a buzz with various options for DIY Chalk Paint. Bloggers have compiled, tested and reported back on their preferred methods.

Here is a rundown on the best homemade chalk paint recipes. Most often, these domestic creations are pitted against professional brands (i.e., CeCe Caldwell, Annie Sloan) and the pros taut eco-safe ingredient lists they aren’t exactly light on the purse strings. Plus, they have limited color selections and the nearest distributor 80 miles away. Needless to say, I’ve never considered making the investment.

So when I did decide to throw my paintbrush in the chalk paint ring, I ran with my own variation of a DIY recipe. And by that, I mean I mixed it completely ass backwards. Remember when I was laid up with that sinus infection and taught you all how not to chalk paint? Apparently, the main ingredient in the version I chose (and what puts the chalk in chalk paint) is toxic. Typical.

Shortly after that hot mess, I received an email from an Esty shop owner asking if I had heard of a powder you add to your paint to give it the smooth, primer-and-prep-free consistency people were willing to shell out the big bucks for. Um, no?! I was more than happy to give her my address so she could send me over some to try.

Now, I don’t pretend to understand the science behind what my new BFF over at Paint Minerals does. All I know is that when I added tap water to her powder, mixed it and then added it to the paint color of my choice I didn’t wind up in the doctor’s office filling a prescription. And that wasn’t just a fluke, my friends. I’ve actually used PM on more than a few projects lately and even when I ignore the recommendation to use flat latex paint or forget to use an actual tablespoon to measure, the paint mixes up and spreads on effortlessly. And the best part? My brush isn’t hardening up halfway through the first coat. Nope, I’m not running back to the sink to thin out a cakey mess of paint.

Actually, as I painted up my mom’s Plain Jane wardrobe I didn’t rinse out my brush until I was done. For three days that Purdy was full of paint (wrapped in a plastic bag overnight) and ready to go every time I needed her. This concoction even spreads out beautifully using a foam roller. And when it was time to clean up, both my brush and roller rinsed out easily with generic dish soap and water.

So how exactly do you use the magic white stuff? Allow me to demonstrate!

First, grab a container and add (2) tablespoons of warm tap water.

I scored an old metal ice tray from my pops last weekend and it was the perfect size for both brush and roller.

Then, spoon in (2) tablespoons of Paint Minerals. Mix well.

When I am at home I like to whip it all up with a fancy Pampered Chef mini-whipper because that’s the only time it actually gets used but hanging at the P’s I had to rough-it and used a paint stick. It worked just as well.

When you slop some of it over the sides on to the counter, table and floor just wipe it up with your sleeve. A paper towel works well too but know that it doesn’t stain clothing or carpeting. I’ve tested this for you already.

Ok, now grab that tablespoon and add (2) scoops of your paint.

The directions say it will yield ‘amazing paint that needs no sanding or priming’ when added to flat latex but I’ve honestly added PM to satin and eggshell finishes and haven’t noticed a difference in consistency.

Every time the paint rolls on like silk and sands to a super smooth finish.

Make sure to mix the paint in well with the water/mineral base until you’ve got a creamy texture (think yogurt or pudding).

And paint!

That’s really all there is to it.

Over on the Paint Minerals website there are recipes for other uses and applications but so far, painting wood is all I’ve experimented with. When the half bag I have left is gone, I do plan to pick up the bulk pack because honestly, I just can’t see ever going back to the old way of painting again.

And at less than $12/gallon I’m going to be able to paint a whole lot of stuff with cash to spare.

You can get this magic mineral powder at Paint Mineral’s Etsy store. Or, peruse the plethora of crap in my shop begging to be made over and I’ll do the work! (assuming you’re local unless you’d drive to WI for pick up)

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40 thoughts on “Mineral Paint (the chalk paint alternative)”

Hi! I don’t see any recent comments but the ones I am reading have me anxious to try PM added to my own paint. Are you still excited about the product? Is it still available? I️ live in Florida and there is a new mineral paint sold in Melbourne called Seapaint. Are you familiar? The thing that sounds great about PM is making your own custom color choices! Thank you for sharing your research and enthusiasm! Sue

I’m not familiar with most premade chalk paints so I can’t speak to what they consist of, however, using flat paint with PM provides base and color. You’ll want to seal the paint with poly or wax on high traffic surfaces. I don’t bother sealing the sides of dressers since the paint will cure and no moisture protection is needed. Horizontal surfaces always receive a couple coats of poly with a waxed final finish for added protection. I like to use an antique oil (hardens when dry) on table and chair legs.

Ok, we are redoing kitchen cupboards and we’re going to use the Rust-oleum Transformations but so much waste as we aren’t glazing. The treatment seems the exact same as the latex and mineral paint. I have ordered the Varathane Crystal Clear as a finish. The two seem to be just the same – clean & paint & finish. Your thoughts.

Yes, what you’re proposing would work just fine. I’d clean, degloss then mix up latex (I prefer Clark Kensington paint & primer flat in one) with Paint Minerals and roll that on. Depending on your color selection you’ll do 2-4 coats (rolling puts down less paint than a brush but eliminates brush marks). It will dry quickly and not take as long as you’d think. Sand with 320 sponge block, vacuum or tack cloth before sealing with poly. I’d roll that on as well, 3 coats. Final sand and enjoy your beautiful new cabinets! Oh, and send me photos. 🙂

Hi there. This product sounds great! Unfortunately, I live abroad and shipping charges will add to the price of PM so I was wondering if this product could be similar if not the same as Calcium Carbonate, used for DIY chalk paint. Can anybody tell me the difference? I do hope it’s not rude of me to ask. Thank you

I actually get this question a lot and it’s not rude at all! I appreciate your wanting to know what you are putting in your paint! I’ve attached a link below to a post I wrote about the ingredients in Paint MInerals – if you have any other questions, I would be happy to answer!

Just came across your blog and am very interested in mixing up some paint and paint minerals powder. Your amounts for powder, water and paint in the instructions were 2+2+2 T but on your receipe card at the end of the blog indicated 2+2 of powder and water and 1 cup of paint. Which have you found is the best receipe?

I honestly don’t even measure anymore. Depending on the color I’m using, the condition of the piece I’m painting and the finish I want I mix more or less into the paint. Once you start using PM you’ll learn to just eyeball it and go.

Are we talking about the same thing? I'm not concerned about the powder lasting, I'm asking how long the mixed-up paint lasts once it's mixed up? Because if it's not long, I'd just make some colored wax out of it and call it done!

I can't give you a definite answer about how long mixed paint lasts because since I mix what I need for a project, I don't keep paint for a terribly long time. But I certainly do have several jars on my shelf that are older than 4 months and still in great shape. Just give them a shake and paint! – Tref

Is it just me, I don't get it? Everything is 2 TBS. How can you paint a desk with that bit of paint? Do you then pour the mixture into a bucket of paint? Or is this just for a teeny job like a picture frame?

From the Paint Minerals site: For best results, mix a full quart of paint in two batches. Because Paint Minerals™ add volume, you will need space in the can and will end up with more than one quart of paint.

Mix 1/2 cup of Paint Minerals™ with 1/2 cup of latex and 3-4 tablespoons of water into a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake WELL. Divide the quart of flat latex paint into two 2-cup portions. Stir half of the Paint Minerals™ mixture into one of the 2-cup portions and mix well. Mix the other paint portion with the remaining Paint Minerals™ and then stir the two together. This method will make sure you get the best possible blend.

Thank you so much Debbie for the information and thank you to the others too. I do have one more question. Someone mentioned afterwards doing a "waxing". Is that a special kind of wax or will any finishing was do the job?

I can't wait to get going on this coffee table I found at Goodwill. I first put on a coat of Kilz and then painted it with a first coat of red to match one wall in the den. It would have needed two more coats to cover, but now I want to try the Paint Minerals for the top coat.

Hello Rosemary I would suggest you finish Your project with just another coat of regular paint that you have already used on your coffee table. Paint Minerals is great to use on a project that you DONOT want to sand or prime! Yes, no sanding or priming!!!! Then you can finish the project with beeswax, hemp oil or a satin finish polyurethane. So, if you now apply the top coat with the paint minerals you will need to seal it. What type of paint is the first two coats?Because you might save yourself some extra work and not need to seal it!!!! I am away from my computer right so I will update you with some different brands of sealer later. I am just using a iPad today and in Vancouver shopping for the store for Christmas. Have fun painting, Debbie

I love painting with Paint Minerals!!! The best part you can custom paint any color to your decorating design. Just go to Home Depot pick out your paint color and add Paint Minerals. How easy is that??? It is available in Canada for sale at Sweet Peas AT HOME. You can order from me and I will send it to you. Just give me a call 250-360-2326.